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Executive Report: Diamonds and dust Diamondmasters believes its dust control products offer huge scope and excellent returns for hirers. Alan Guthrie reports. Articles in recent issues of EHN have emphasised the importance of dust as a Health & Safety consideration for the entire construction industry supply chain. Last month, for example, we highlighted awareness campaigns and educational initiatives developed by hirers that will generate demand for the specialist equipment that is required to address the problem. Diamondmasters is targeting this emergent market, being the UK distributor for the Swedish PullmanErmator dust control equipment range. Indeed, the company has established a separate Machine Division to offer a range of items, such as drill motors, that complement its well known diamond blade sales activity. “This is a huge opportunity for any hirer who wants to offer appropriate solutions,” contends Managing Director Steve McKenzie. “Standards relating to permitted workplace dust levels have become even more stringent, and users need the right products.” Tasks
such
as
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paving
slabs
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kerb
stones
with
hand-held
powered
saws
generate
silica
As we stated last month, lower Working Exposure Limits (WELs) have made the need for action more urgent. “Legislation is a key driver, but there is still much ignorance amongst operatives and management about the risks. And while the construction industry is obviously a key market, the risks from dust apply to many other tradesmen such as flooring contractors, shop fitters, joiners and small builders.” It is essential to use equipment that is capable of removing very fine dust particles, as small as 0.3 microns. Products for domestic or light commercial use will almost certainly not be effective enough, or suitably robust for hire usage. Typical dust extraction systems include cyclonic action, which ensures that the largest particles are spun outwards to the sides of the collection bag. Air containing finer particles is then cleansed by a pre-filter. The final stage is high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration, whereby as much as 99.995% of airborne dust is removed by a dense mat of randomly arranged fibres. HEPA filters are ranked from H10-H14 depending on their efficiency and, owing to their thickness, the equipment needs to incorporate powerful motors to overcome the increased air resistance. Diamondmasters’ Director of Sales, Phil Bosson, believes that the PullmanErmator S1300 single phase dust extractor “is ideal for most hirers’ needs in terms of size, durability and typical payback periods.” It has an HEPA H13 class filter that removes up to 99.95% of particles. A jet pulsing feature enables quick filter cleaning and a 15-litre collection bag is fitted. A 5m hose is supplied, complete with cleaning attachments. Also available in the range is the S2400 model, which has twin motors for double the suction capacity, and is suitable for use in particularly demanding environments. Three-year warranty The PullmanErmator range, all of which carries a three-year warranty, includes mobile air cleaners for use in enclosed areas. They continuously recycle air through a HEPA system and are suitable for schools, offices, hospitals and for refurbishment work in houses, collecting dust that would otherwise settle on surfaces. The compact a600 model weighs only 11kg and has an air flow capacity of 550m3/hour. A light illuminates to show that air flow is 75% of its normal level, which indicates that the pre-filter needs cleaning. The larger two-speed a700 has a maximum 600m3/hour capacity. “Several can be used together in warehouses and food storage areas to avoid contamination from outside air when doors are frequently opened,” says Phil Bosson. Larger machines can also be supplied, as well as wet vacuums and three-phase dust extractors. Steve McKenzie points out that dust control systems have economic, as well as safety, benefits and that they can also increase operational efficiency. “If less dust is left behind after operations like floor sanding, re-pointing brickwork, cutting wood or drilling concrete, there is less delay for follow-on tradesmen. Small builders using this kind of equipment can also promote this as a plus-point for homeowners who may be concerned about the dust and debris left behind after certain tasks. We included several PullmanErmator products on our stand at the Executive Hire Show earlier this year, and interest was very strong. Hirers have a key role to play in raising awareness of these products and the benefits that they bring. When you consider the number of tools that can be hired together with dust control equipment as a package, the potential is vast.” • T
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1319 Executive Hire News › Archives › June 2007 › Executive Report › Diamonds and dust
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